Scratch Marc-Andre Bergeron as a candidate to join the Edmonton Road Runners for the balance of the season.

The 24-year-old Edmonton Oilers defenceman yesterday signed a contract with Brynas SE of the Swedish Elite League after agreeing to terms with the team on Saturday, according to agent Paul Corbeil.

"He signed this morning," Corbeil said yesterday. "Marc-Andre wants to try Europe. It's for a new experience right now. With the lockout, it's not clear what's going to happen with the season, so he's decided to do this."

Bergeron, who played 54 games with the Oilers last season and another 17 in the AHL with Toronto, and Corbeil had been in discussions with Edmonton GM Scott Howson on and off since early November about the possibility of signing an AHL contract.

Bergeron indicated in December he'd likely make a move after Christmas although joining the Road Runners would have forced another roster move, as the team already has eight defencemen.

"For right now he prefers to play in Europe," Corbeil said. "The contract is for the rest of this season."